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Barge Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

TerralRiver Service

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

The Tow Boat Pilot is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the loading and unloading cargo ... Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any ...

TerralRiver Service

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · On-site

... barge * Directs and assists in performance of general maintenance work. * Ensuring all vessel ... Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and ...

United States Steel Corporation

Boat Pilot

Clairton, PA · On-site

Operating Technician I (River Pilot) is responsible for moving the barge fleet around the Mon River basin. This will include placing barges under and around the Coal Unloaders, which remove the coal ...

Welcome Tech

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$500 - $575/hr

Tow Boat Pilot Enstructure Location: 382 Klinke Road, Memphis, TN 38127 Job Type: Full-Time Pay ... Make sure every crew member knows the cargo in each barge and the hazards that come with it * Serve ...

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All JobsBarge Pilot Jobs

Barge Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do barge pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for barge pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Barge Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barge Pilot, you need strong navigation skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a U.S. Coast Guard license. Familiarity with radar, GPS systems, VHF radios, and electronic charting tools is essential for safe and efficient vessel operation. Excellent situational awareness, clear communication, and decision-making under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are critical to ensuring the safe transport of cargo, compliance with regulations, and effective coordination with crew and port authorities.

What are barge pilots?

Barge pilots are licensed professionals responsible for navigating and operating barges, which are flat-bottomed vessels used primarily to transport goods and materials along rivers, canals, and other inland waterways. They ensure the safe and efficient movement of the barge, manage the crew, and monitor weather and water conditions. Barge pilots must follow strict safety regulations and communicate with other vessels and port authorities. Their expertise is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the timely delivery of cargo.

What is the difference between Barge Pilot vs Tugboat Captain?

AspectBarge PilotTugboat Captain
CertificationsRequired licenses for operating barges, such as Coast Guard licensesSimilar licenses, often including towing and vessel operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates on inland and coastal waterways, guiding bargesOperates tugboats, often assisting ships or barges in ports and waterways
Industry UsageCommonly employed in shipping, oil, and construction industriesUsed in shipping, port operations, and offshore industries

Both Barge Pilots and Tugboat Captains require similar licenses and work in maritime environments. Barge Pilots primarily guide large cargo or oil barges, while Tugboat Captains operate tugboats that assist in maneuvering ships and barges. Their roles are complementary but distinct within maritime operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Barge Pilots when navigating busy waterways?

Barge Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strong currents, and heavy traffic from other vessels while navigating busy waterways. They must remain vigilant and adapt quickly to changing situations to ensure the safety of the crew, cargo, and vessel. Effective communication with other crew members and coordination with port authorities are crucial for timely and safe passage. Additionally, Barge Pilots need to stay updated on regulations and local navigational hazards, which can vary by region.
More about Barge Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Barge Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Barge Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Barge Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Barge Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Barge Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Barge Pilot jobs are:
Barge Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Barge Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Boat Pilot - New Martinsville, WV

Boat Pilot - New Martinsville, WV

Watco

New Martinsville, WV

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 358 rated logistics

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Boat Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of vessels and supervision of crew to ensure efficient barge movements and fleet management. This role requires compliance with Coast Guard, environmental, and company regulations while maintaining effective communication with team members and customers.

Pay Range: $35 - $40
Typical schedule 5:00am to finish, but not past 5:00pm.  Monday through Friday, ocassional Saturdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe operation of the boat and supervision of the boat crew 
• Perform first aid and CPR on team members when required 
• Respond appropriately in emergency situations 
• Communicate regularly via 2-way radio with team members during operations 
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, managers, and customers 
• Direct barge movements and fleeting with team members 
• Comply with company policies, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and environmental requirements 
• Maintain predictable, reliable, and timely attendance 
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule 
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math 
• Apply procedures with good judgment, learning from directions and observations 
• Apply working knowledge of Watco Safety and operating principles 
• Work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others 
• Coordinate activities with other boat crews 
• Receive and follow oral or written instructions from supervisors regarding barge movements 
• Notify supervisors and teammates before moves using radio, verbal, or hand signals 
• Remain professional when addressing customers with set start and stop time 
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all moves 
• Coordinate activities through supervisors regarding customer needs 
• Maintain constant visual or radio contact with deckhands during fleet work 
• Notify supervisors of incoming barges and manage the fleet according to river levels 
• Perform minor maintenance and oversee boat housekeeping 
• Keep logs and paperwork current as required by the Coast Guard 
• Provide coverage for other pilots during vacation periods, as needed 
• Verify deckhands’ work through dual verification to ensure fleet condition standards are met 
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions and resolve problems with multiple concrete variables 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing
• Must be available to work a rotating shift as well as be prepared to work in all types of weather
• Must have a Master Towing Vessel License
• Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card 

Education
Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

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